Sweet Canadian Summer

I once heard a Quebec author describe the Montréal summer as 'un été qui a connu l'hiver' (a summer that has known winter). How true... Yes, winters are very long here and by February or March, most canadians are more than ready for any sing of spring - although it might not show its timid nature until we're well into March, sometimes April. After enduring the hardships of many months of cold, ice and snow, there is nothing like a beautiful spring day. It validates the hope we had for better days, and it's like a big wave of energy and joy. Nature bursts into it's glorious parade of blooms and crops... crocus, and magnolias, and cherry trees. Asparagus, and fresh strawberries. And as June rolls around, the fields begin their ever changing dance of blue and yellow wild flowers. We ease into the sweet canadian summer, like a great deep long sigh. How soothing.

Now in late July, right in the middle of it, I can anticipate how fast the next 5 weeks will flow. We arrived in Quebec city on July 16, the boys had a one week skateboard camp and had a wonderful time, while Tim and I spent some of our time working, and some time simply lounging around my mom's air conditioned condo. I even had afternoon naps! We had nice evenings too, a couple of dinner parties, and we gave a tour of old Québec to some friends who stopped over for one night, while on their way to Cape Breton Island. Fun.

We made our way to the Quebec cottage on Saturday afternoon, in the beautiful lower St-Laurence region (near the Bic National Park). Within the lower St-Laurence, we call this area 'Les Basques'. The landscapes around here are beautiful and deeply satisfying to me. Inland, many fields of wheat in the mountain valleys, lots of mountains. The Apalachians. And the river of course, with it's salty water all the way from the North Atlantic. I've been coming to this area all my life, it's family turf and I love to immerse into it with my little family. The cottage stands on a point by lake Saint-Mathieu, and up the hill is the small village by the same name. My great grand-parents grew-up and got married here.

I wish the lake area had not developed so much over the years... there used to be a nice wheat field behind the cottage, it ended at the bottom of the mountain. And there was a creek flowing down the mountain, and lots of trout coming up from the lake to lay their eggs. Then one summer, when I was about 8 or 9, they blasted the side of the mountain and made a ski hill. Then they built a bigger road right through the field. Then the field was gone and they built a hotel, and a camping ground. Later they burried the lower part of the creek in an underground pipe, building houses... and slowly creeping up in the mountain. It is a killer view from up there of course, at the cost of the view from down here. I wish I could stop it all, it's too much already. Nostalgia...

I am letting the summer flow, and I am slowly organising my return to full time work in late August. I had quite a year of freedom, and it's now time to really focus on my dispositions to be up for the change of pace. Preparing mentally, and physically. Yes... I have slotted some YMCA time into my schedule! It's mostly to regain a good level of energy, and I will probably lose a few pounds in the process...

I have hired a new teacher - experienced, musician and fully bilingual, and a very good personality. She is a great fit for the team, and I am confident that she will be successful... although I admit that my instinct have been wrong before... so I guess we will see. Training begins on August 31 for my team of 3 teachers, and I will work on that in the next couple of weeks. I am also introducing a new and exciting element to the early childhood program : Live music! One small concert/workshop per trimester. I have been wanting to do this for quite awhile, and finally found the right approach so that the budget is decent for musicians. I will also work on that in the next few weeks, preparing for my meeting with my new teacher - she will be developing these sessions with me, and perform. Looking forward to it.

But while I still have some time to smell the flowers, I intend to do just that. We have a foggy day in the mountains today, so we're going to town with my mom. Tim left for Toronto yesterday with my brother Louis, Nathalie, my nephew Émile and his cousin Charles-Marie. So it's just me and my mom, with Dylan and Leo. Quiet and peaceful, in the fog.

Viva El Crockpot ! Julie's Coconut Curry Chicken

This is a classic in our household. It was introduced to our family by my brother in law Danny, a great cook. It was one of the many dishes he had prepared for a dinner party, and both Leo and Dylan kept asking me to make 'Danny's curry chicken' thereafter. I have made it again and again, making slight changes each time, in search of my desired blend of flavours...

While in Xcalak (Mexican Costa Maya) in last December I found myself with all the ingredients to make this dish, except for the coconut milk. What to do oh what to do?... about 2 hours away from town... and while I was thinking of a solution, I was staring out the window... and there it was! Plenty of coconuts hanging in those trees!!!
Gabriel, the caretaker of the property, kindly cut one for us, and I got very busy. Empty it and keep the liquid, then peel the hard brown shell (with a thick spoon is best), and I finally ended up with beautiful white coconut chunks. In a blender, I put about 2 cups of coconut pieces, the liquid previously drained out from the fruit, about 2 cups of chicken stock, and a little milk (1/3 cup). Blend until smooth - et voilà! The beginning of my first Coconut Curry Chicken really really made from scratch !!!

And with that to my credit, I renamed the dish 'Julie's Coconut Curry Chicken'. Enjoy!

JULIE'S COCONUT CURRY CHICKEN

4 to 6 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
1 1/2 cup flour
1 onion, finely copped
5 or 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut in 2 inch cubes
4 carrots, diced
1 can of coconut milk
4 cups chicken stock
2 TBsp fresh ginger, grated
3 big cloves of garlic, crushed
2 TBsp curry powder
Salt to taste

Cut the chicken in 2 inch cubes, and coat with the flour (you may add some curry, and or garlic, and or ginger powder to the flour). In a frying pan, brown the pieces of chicken and set aside. Cut the onion, carrots and potatoes, mix and place in the bottom of the crockpot - and add the chicken on top. In a bowl, mix the coconut milk, chicken stock, garlic, ginger, curry powder and salt - and poor it over the other ingredients in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. You may stir it half way through the cooking time. Serve on basmati rice - yum!!!

Viva El Crockpot ! Julie's Bean Soup

July rolled around in it's summery splendor, and we're graced with beautiful summer days to enjoy.
It brings me memories of cooking in the heat... and avoiding the use of the oven.
While chatting with one of my good friends, she informed me that here in Toronto (and maybe elsewhere too?) we have a lower electricity rate from 9pm to early morning (I think 6am?). Anyhow... it gave me the idea to make good use of my crockpot overnight, and spare some daytime kitchen overheating by the same token.
I have made one of my staple crockpot dishes - Coconut Curry Chicken (recipe will be posted in this series). But it seems that I always make the same 2 or 3 dishes with my crockpot. So wanting to explore new recipes, I found one which I have altered a little (or shall I say enhance...) and it became a big hit in our family. It's a bean soup, and the main change i made was that the original recipe called for ham, I replaced it with sausage - and added some garlic and origano. It's a hearty bean soup, perfect for a summer lunch or dinner with a fresh loaf of bread. Very versatile too, you might end up with your own version (or enhancements!). Enjoy!

JULIE'S BEAN SOUP IN A CROCKPOT
3 italian sausages
2 small onions, finely chopped
1 branch of celery, diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves of garlic, pressed
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried origano
1 1/2 cup dry beans (any kind, I used black eyed peas)
6 cups water
10oz tomato sauce or coulis
salt and pepper, to taste

In a frying pan, brown small sausage meatballs (squeeze meat filling out of the sausage in small lumps). Set the browed meat aside. In the same frying pan, saute the onion, celery, and carrots until lightly softened. Transfer to the crockpot, add the meat, garlic, basil, potatoes, tomato coulis, water, dry beans, and salt and pepper. Stir well, cover and cook 8 to 10 hours on low. Yummy!

More Tips - Quintana Roo Accommodations!

Looking back at some of my blog entries... I realised that I have not been recommending accommodations in the state of Quintana Roo... oh my!!! How did this happen?????

So if the Caribbean is what tickles your fancies - here are my favorite spots along that coast - from North to South (and notice how I skip Cancun alltogether...).

Isla Holbox
Highly recommended destination - No specific accommodation pointers for this one, but very simple advice : You may very well look for accommodation once you arrive on Holbox. There are numerous modest hotels around the central square, just be ready for the late night sounds of enjoyment all around! If you are looking for a more upscale hotel, you should book online ahead of time in one of the very nice beach establishments.

In Playa del Carmen
Hotel Riviera Maya : located just far enough from the crowds, and still walking distance to the buzz of 5th Avenue and the beach, this hotel is simple and clean, comfortable, with pool, and very friendly staff.
http://www.hotelrivieramaya.com/

Occidental Allegro Playacar : This is a very nice and quaint all inclusive with a beautiful beach, great for kids too! - with all your all inclusive perks and enternainment, and kids club. You may find a good last minute pricing (I found one in November with BookIt.com at $50 per adult per night-kids free).
http://www.allegroplayacar.com/

Near Tulum...
The small community of Tankah Bay is a short 5 minute drive North of Tulum. Villas are pricy compared to the Golf coast, so if you can indulge I would recomment Casa Playa Azul. Very nice 3 bedroom beach house with pool, with 3 kayaks and all snorkeling equipment included - 500 meters from the Mezoamerican Reef barrier (2nd longest in the world).
http://www.tankahshores.com/home.html

In Tulum :
Posada Yum Kin: Located downtown Tulum, very nice and comfortable units with kitchen, very laid back, and nice swimming pool. You might be able to negociate your rate, give it a try!
http://www.pyktulum.com/

Heading Further South...

Majahual and Xcalak (aka The Costa Maya)
Margarita del Sol - a multi-unit appartment complex on the beach near Majahual, with kayaks and snorkeling equipment included. Nice and simple!
http://www.margaritadelsol.com

Casa Caracola - in the Xcalak National Reef Park... this is a true gem. The PERFECT Caribbean snorkeling dream home. Here you are out of the way and off the grid, with solar power and rain water - with all the comfort you could wish for. Kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and amazing snorkeling or diving just a few strokes off shore - one of the best spots on this part of the coast. The house is very comfortable, and the care takers are super friendly and helpful. If you want the ultimate snorkeling experience, this is top notch!
http://www.casacaracola.com/ (you may want to mute the music)

Bacalar
Amigos Bacalar is a modest but comfortable bed and breakfast right on the beautiful bright blue Bacalar lake. All rooms have a fabulous lake view, and there is a little buffet breakfast every morning. Great for swimming and exploring the vicinity (Cenote Azul,Chetumal, archeological sites, etc).
http://www.bacalar.net/

Chetumal
Hotel Mary Rey is where I always go in Chetumal. Nice big pool (very likely to yourself...) in the central yard, and walking distance to Héroes Ave. (public market and museum). A standard room is about $50 per night here, and unlike many hotels on the main strip - it is just far enough from the action to be quiet through the night.
http://www.chetumalmosaico.com/pages/lodging/mary_rey.htm

And there you have it!
If I was to cruise down the Mexican Caribbean coast in one trip, with all the time and money in the world, I would absolutely go back to each one of these places.

Enjoy!

Developments on the next trip...

Oh how life has ways to twist and turn when you least expect it... I admit that I have been in a period of re-assessment regarding my next trip to Yucatan in the spring of 2012. Our financial situation requires some love and care, and we also need to invest in some home repairs. Our dishwasher is out of order, and so is our dryer. I can do without, especially the dishwasher, but we will need a new dryer in the fall. So with that in perspective I was keeping an open mind on the possibility that I might not be able to go to Mexico next year after all. But this week out of the blue, a friend offered to fly me to Cancun for about $60! She works for an airline and, well... she can do that! A new and interesting twist in the assessment - indeed! Pretty amazing how the stars line-up sometimes.

I am also trying to get my good old business fizz back. As much as I used to be in high efficiency mode for most of my adult life, I find that my pace is now sluggish and I have to kick myself to accomplish a productive day. It's been this way since we came back... surprise surprise. I think that it's probably because I'm not teaching very much this year, and my days are very loosy goosy. I did manage to book myself solid for the next school year though, so I guess that I should enjoy the slack while I have some. I also have work for my two wonderful early childhood teachers, and I am waiting to hear from a very qualified applicant for a new position in the fall. I decided to hire only one, and not bite more than I can chew. This is one business advice that I remember from my father - 'let it breathe' he would say. It translates into keeping a healthy cashflow, and a slow but steady growth. The coming school year will be very good for both - picking-up the pace!

Until then however, we are in a bit of a financial bind and I find it extremely frustrating. Despite my planning and forecasting, I have to dig into the reserves (Tim just realised that he has run out of money for the time being - it's a seasonal thing). Crud. This comes up after we have planned our vacation... booked and paid transportation and accommodations and summer camp. He is not pleased about it of course. Of course we will manage... of course. It's another great opportunity to be resourceful! We will make it work, and it will be good. Hey, it's summer!

Family

It's not a new concept that keeping a healthy relationship with siblings can be challenging over the years, especially a long distance relationship. I have left my home town when I was 23, lived in Montreal where I studied for a year, and settled in Toronto when I was 24. So it's been 23 years since I moved here.

Over the years there has been phases which I suspect are the normal course of a long distance relationship - like going back home as often as possible for the first couple of years, then expecting that everyone will eventually be visiting me in Toronto - which may not happen with a family of 7... two of my brothers have never been to my house, although they do come to Toronto for business from time to time. That was difficult to accept, and impossible to understand. Generally I was very positive though, keeping contact and enjoying every minute when I could spend time with my siblings. We can have a lot of fun together.

Things started to change when I had my own children. Because my siblings all had their kids quite a few years earlier, there was a big gap in age. Visiting with young children became difficult because it seemed like nobody remembered what it's like to have a baby and a 3 year old sleeping upstairs... and I ended-up spending many evenings in the bedroom, trying to put my kids back to sleep. And at a certain point I decided to spend Christmas at home, and to skip the cottage stay in the summer. At least until my kids would be a bit older, so that they could partake in the family gatherings and remember them.

Then about 3 years later we started to go to the cottage again. We still stay home for Christmas though, partly because it's not the best time to drive to Quebec City (snow...), it ends up being a very expensive trip, and partly because it's not the best time to visit since we spend a lot of time indoors, and it's not the most relaxing time of the year...

So with fewer visits, the catch is that each visit is charged with all sorts of emotional expectations and anticipation. I must say that in light of the past few years, it has become very difficult for me to enjoy my visits. I try to juggle with time and make sure that we can see everyone, but of course not everyone understand the intensity of it for me. There is also a bit a of language barrier and Tim is great at adapting to these French immersions. His French is pretty good, but of course it's demanding to process so much communication and I feel his need to withdraw for a mental rest sometimes.

At this point I would hope that my kids get to know their cousins, uncles and aunts, but it's not possible to do that with a couple of shared meals once a year. There was also some tension with the cottage in the past couple of years, not a new concept either... and so now even our once a year visit is tainted with some degree of misunderstanding and unspoken frustrations. I resigned myself to the fact that my kids will not get to know their cousins. This summer we will spend a week at the cottage, with my mom, and although I am sad that we will not be able to share some good times with some of my siblings, I am happy that we will have this exclusive time with her. That's the silver lining - and it actually turns out to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to be alone with her. My kids will know and remember their grandmother.

I never could have guessed that it would come to this with my siblings. I am the baby of the family, and they have been a huge and very important part of my upbringing. I have identified to each of them at one point or another. I'm not sure if it's only me who feels this way, but the physical distance between us is nothing compared to the loss of these ties. I do feel that they are weak in some cases, and broken in other cases. Not sure how it happened over the years.

As much as I was enthusiastic about spending a little over 2 weeks in Quebec when we planned our summer vacation, I find myself wondering what I was thinking and the approaching date of departure is making me very nervous. I need to focus on the basics and not overthink it... We will spend some quality time with my mom, and anything else will be a beautiful surprise (I hope...).

Summer!!!

Only a couple of weeks left until the end of school, and we have our plans all lined-up until the first week of september. Looking forward to going to our Riley Lake heaven, and being immersed in the sweet smell of pine needles. I will hang the new hammocks, and read. I will also work, I love to work there. We will go for a few days in July, and a couple of weeks in August. Sweet!

Also looking forward to spending some time in Quebec city, and at our Quebec family cottage near Trois-Pistoles, in the lower St-Laurence region. Being there is always deeply soothing. I guess it's because my ancestors settled in that area when it was still Nouvelle France, in 1665. The cottage is in the village of St-Mathieu de Rioux, and my mother's parents grew-up there and got married in the lovely old church in the village. I have fond memories of visiting relatives there, some were dairy farmers and I loved spending time in the stable... the smell of warm milk, and of the hay filled grange. But these small farms are all gone now. Although my kids will not be able to experience this close encounter with farm life, they do know the village and their ties to it. It's a beautiful place.

While at the St-Mathieu cottage I hope we can go for a few treks, like the Bic National park - and watch the seals swim around or roast under the sun. There's nothing like the salty breeze of the lower St-Lawrence, you can almost feel the cool Atlantic in the air. Or maybe we'll go horse back riding in St-Fabien, or walk up to the falls along on the Trois-Pistoles river... so many stunning places! Can't wait! The trip there and back is equally exciting, along the old road going through towns and villages, with some ritual stops like Fromagerie des Basques, and Les Trois Fumoirs for amazing smoked fish. Yum!

We will also spend some time at home of course, and I have a feeling that it will be busy. No worries, that's business as usual! Call it home management, or domestic engineering, or tender care and attention... it's all about juggling with food, laundry, and paying the bills. Days go by, weeks go by, and next thing you know summer is here!